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Suppliers and packagers for generic pharmaceutical drug: ITRACONAZOLE
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ITRACONAZOLE
Listed suppliers include manufacturers, repackagers, relabelers, and private labeling entitities.
| Applicant | Tradename | Generic Name | Dosage | NDA | NDA/ANDA | Supplier | Package Code | Package | Marketing Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 46708-204-04 | 28 CAPSULE in 1 CARTON (46708-204-04) | 2016-12-16 |
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 46708-204-10 | 100 CAPSULE in 1 CARTON (46708-204-10) | 2016-12-16 |
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 46708-204-30 | 30 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (46708-204-30) | 2016-12-16 |
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 46708-204-71 | 500 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (46708-204-71) | 2016-12-16 |
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 46708-204-90 | 90 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (46708-204-90) | 2016-12-16 |
| Alembic | ITRACONAZOLE | itraconazole | CAPSULE;ORAL | 206741 | ANDA | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 62332-204-04 | 28 CAPSULE in 1 CARTON (62332-204-04) | 2016-12-16 |
| >Applicant | >Tradename | >Generic Name | >Dosage | >NDA | >NDA/ANDA | >Supplier | >Package Code | >Package | >Marketing Start |
Itraconazole API Suppliers Analysis
This report analyzes key suppliers of itraconazole active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), focusing on manufacturing capabilities, regulatory compliance, and market presence. The identified suppliers are critical for the consistent and compliant production of itraconazole-based therapeutics, particularly in antifungal treatments.
Who are the primary manufacturers of Itraconazole API?
The global supply of itraconazole API is concentrated among a limited number of manufacturers, primarily located in India and China. These suppliers hold significant manufacturing capacity and possess the necessary regulatory approvals to serve key pharmaceutical markets.
- Jubilant Life Sciences Limited (now Jubilant Pharmova Limited): A prominent Indian pharmaceutical company with extensive experience in API manufacturing. They are a significant producer of itraconazole, serving both domestic and international markets. Jubilant Pharmova has a robust regulatory track record, holding approvals from major health authorities.
- Divi’s Laboratories Limited: Another leading Indian API manufacturer known for its large-scale production capabilities and high-quality standards. Divi’s is a key supplier for various complex APIs, including itraconazole. Their facilities undergo regular inspections by regulatory bodies.
- Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: A China-based pharmaceutical company that manufactures a range of APIs. Hubei Biocause is a notable supplier of itraconazole, contributing to the global supply chain. Compliance with international quality standards is a focus for this supplier.
- Zhejiang NHU Company Ltd.: A large chemical and pharmaceutical group in China. NHU produces a diverse portfolio of APIs, including itraconazole. Their manufacturing operations adhere to GMP guidelines.
- Granules India Limited: An Indian pharmaceutical company specializing in API and finished dosage formulations. Granules India is recognized for its consistent quality and supply reliability in the itraconazole market.
These companies are distinguished by their established manufacturing infrastructure, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and successful audits by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
What is the regulatory status and compliance of these suppliers?
Regulatory compliance is paramount for API suppliers. The identified manufacturers have demonstrated adherence to international pharmaceutical quality standards and have undergone inspections by major regulatory bodies.
| Supplier Name | Key Regulatory Approvals / Certifications | Last Known FDA Inspection (Year) | EMA Compliance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilant Pharmova Limited | US FDA, EDQM Certificate of Suitability (CEP), WHO-GMP | 2023 | Holds CEPs for key APIs, indicating compliance with European Pharmacopoeia. |
| Divi’s Laboratories Limited | US FDA, EDQM CEP, PMDA (Japan), TGA (Australia) | 2024 | Strong regulatory history; facilities frequently inspected. |
| Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | CFDA (China), US FDA (previously), EDQM CEP (previous) | 2018 (reported) | Past FDA inspection reports indicate areas for improvement. |
| Zhejiang NHU Company Ltd. | US FDA, EDQM CEP, KFDA (Korea), GMP Compliance | 2022 | Consistent GMP compliance demonstrated across facilities. |
| Granules India Limited | US FDA, EDQM CEP, TGA (Australia), Health Canada | 2023 | Multiple sites approved by leading international regulatory bodies. |
- US FDA Inspections: Facilities manufacturing APIs for the U.S. market must pass FDA inspections, which assess compliance with 21 CFR Part 210 and 211 (Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals). A recent inspection signifies ongoing regulatory oversight.
- EDQM Certificate of Suitability (CEP): Issued by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare, a CEP demonstrates that the API complies with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. This is critical for market access in European Union member states.
- Other National Regulatory Agencies: Approvals from agencies like Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and Health Canada indicate broader global market access and adherence to diverse regulatory expectations.
- Ongoing Compliance: Regulatory approvals are not static. Suppliers must maintain compliance through regular inspections, quality management systems, and timely updates to regulatory filings. Deviations or issues identified during inspections can impact supply chain reliability. For instance, past issues at Chinese facilities have sometimes led to temporary disruptions or increased scrutiny.
What is the manufacturing capacity and technological capability of these suppliers?
The manufacturing capacity and technological sophistication of API suppliers directly influence their ability to meet market demand and the quality of the final product.
- Scale of Production: Divi’s Laboratories is known for its exceptionally large manufacturing capacities, enabling it to be a cost-effective supplier for high-volume APIs. Jubilant Pharmova and Granules India also possess substantial production scales, catering to global demand. Chinese manufacturers like Hubei Biocause and Zhejiang NHU also contribute significantly to global output.
- Process Chemistry: Itraconazole is a complex azole antifungal. Manufacturers employing efficient, scalable, and environmentally sound synthesis routes have a competitive advantage. This includes expertise in multi-step organic synthesis, chiral separations (if applicable to specific polymorphic forms), and crystallization techniques to control particle size and polymorphic purity.
- Quality Control and Analytical Capabilities: Advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, XRPD) is essential for rigorous quality control, impurity profiling, and characterization of the API. Suppliers with well-equipped QC labs and skilled personnel ensure batch-to-batch consistency and meet stringent pharmacopoeial limits for impurities.
- Technological Investments: Continuous investment in process optimization, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., continuous manufacturing, PAT - Process Analytical Technology) can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Companies actively pursuing such advancements are better positioned for future market demands.
What are the market dynamics and competitive landscape for Itraconazole API?
The market for itraconazole API is characterized by a mature but essential demand driven by its use in treating serious fungal infections. Competition exists among established players, with pricing, quality, and reliability being key differentiating factors.
- Key Markets: The primary markets for itraconazole API include North America, Europe, and emerging economies where the prevalence of fungal infections is significant. Generic drug manufacturers are the primary consumers of bulk itraconazole API.
- Pricing: Pricing is influenced by production costs, scale of operation, regulatory compliance burden, and competitive intensity. Indian manufacturers often offer competitive pricing due to cost advantages in labor and manufacturing infrastructure.
- Supply Chain Risks: Reliance on a concentrated number of suppliers can create supply chain vulnerabilities. Geopolitical factors, regulatory changes in key manufacturing countries, and unexpected production disruptions (e.g., plant shutdowns, environmental issues) can impact availability and price. Diversification of suppliers is a key risk mitigation strategy for drug product manufacturers.
- Intellectual Property: While the primary patents for itraconazole have expired, patents related to specific polymorphic forms, novel synthesis routes, or drug formulations can still exist and influence the competitive landscape. Lyophilisate forms and specific crystalline structures may have associated IP protection.
- Emerging Trends: Increased focus on supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability is influencing supplier selection. Manufacturers demonstrating strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance may gain a competitive edge.
What are the critical quality attributes (CQAs) for Itraconazole API?
Ensuring the quality of itraconazole API is paramount to the safety and efficacy of the final drug product. Key Quality Attributes (CQAs) are defined by pharmacopoeias and regulatory guidelines.
- Identity: The API must be definitively identified as itraconazole. This is confirmed through spectroscopic methods (e.g., Infrared Spectroscopy) and chromatographic techniques.
- Assay (Purity): The API must contain a specified percentage of itraconazole, typically ranging from 98.0% to 102.0% on an anhydrous and solvent-free basis, as per pharmacopoeial standards (e.g., USP, EP). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the standard method for assay determination.
- Related Substances (Impurities): Strict limits are imposed on specific known impurities and total impurities. Impurities can arise from starting materials, intermediates, by-products of the synthesis, or degradation. Limits are defined in pharmacopoeias (e.g., USP, EP) and specific ICH guidelines (e.g., ICH Q3A(R2)). Analytical methods must be capable of detecting and quantifying these impurities at very low levels.
- Examples of impurity classes include: Degradation products, synthesis-related impurities, and solvent residues.
- Residual Solvents: Limits for residual solvents are established based on their toxicity (ICH Q3C(R6) guidelines). Solvents used in the manufacturing process must be controlled to meet these limits, typically measured by Gas Chromatography (GC).
- Water Content: The amount of water present in the API can affect its stability and processing. Karl Fischer titration is commonly used for this determination.
- Heavy Metals: Limits for heavy metals are specified to ensure the absence of toxic metallic impurities.
- Microbial Limits: For APIs not subjected to terminal sterilization, microbial contamination must be controlled to acceptable levels as per pharmacopoeial requirements.
- Polymorphism: Itraconazole can exist in different crystalline forms (polymorphs). The specific polymorphic form can affect solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. Manufacturers must control the polymorphic form to ensure consistency and reproducible drug product performance. Techniques like X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are used to characterize polymorphs.
Suppliers must have robust analytical methods validated according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines to ensure these CQAs are met for every batch.
Who are the potential new entrants or emerging suppliers?
The market for itraconazole API is relatively mature, with high barriers to entry due to stringent regulatory requirements and the capital investment needed for GMP-compliant manufacturing. However, opportunities may arise for:
- Specialized Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs): CDMOs with expertise in complex organic synthesis and a strong regulatory track record may enter the market by partnering with generic companies or by developing their own manufacturing processes for itraconazole.
- Companies in Emerging Markets: As regulatory standards rise in other regions, pharmaceutical companies in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, or parts of Eastern Europe may invest in API manufacturing capabilities to serve local and regional markets, and potentially export to other regions if they achieve necessary regulatory approvals.
- API Manufacturers Specializing in Niche or High-Potency Compounds: While itraconazole is not typically classified as high-potency, companies with advanced containment and handling capabilities might see opportunities in complex API manufacturing.
Entry for any new supplier would require significant investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, a comprehensive quality management system, and the arduous process of obtaining regulatory approvals (FDA, EMA, etc.) for their itraconazole API. This typically takes several years and substantial financial resources.
Key Takeaways
The supply of itraconazole API is dominated by established manufacturers in India and China, with Jubilant Pharmova Limited and Divi’s Laboratories Limited being prominent Indian players, and Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang NHU Company Ltd. as significant Chinese suppliers. Regulatory compliance, particularly with US FDA and EMA standards, is a critical factor in supplier selection, with Certificates of Suitability (CEPs) being essential for European market access. Manufacturing capacity, process chemistry expertise, and robust quality control systems are key differentiators. While the market is competitive, supply chain risks necessitate a diversified supplier base for drug product manufacturers. Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) for itraconazole API include identity, assay, strict impurity control, residual solvents, and water content, all of which must be meticulously managed and validated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical lead times for ordering Itraconazole API from these suppliers?
Lead times can vary significantly based on the supplier's current production schedule, order volume, and existing inventory. Generally, for substantial orders, lead times can range from 2 to 6 months. Smaller, in-stock orders might be fulfilled more rapidly, within 2 to 4 weeks. Communication directly with the sales and logistics departments of each supplier is necessary to obtain precise lead times for specific quantities.
Are there any known supply shortages or disruptions for Itraconazole API?
While there are no widespread, officially declared shortages of itraconazole API at present, the pharmaceutical supply chain is susceptible to disruptions. These can arise from geopolitical events, raw material availability, unexpected regulatory actions against a manufacturing site, or global health crises. Manufacturers typically maintain safety stocks, but extended disruptions could impact availability.
What is the typical shelf life of Itraconazole API?
The typical shelf life for itraconazole API, when stored under recommended conditions (e.g., protected from light and moisture, at controlled room temperature), is generally between 2 to 3 years. Specific storage conditions and re-test dates are provided by the manufacturer on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch.
How does the polymorphic form of Itraconazole API affect drug product development?
The polymorphic form of itraconazole API is critical as it can influence the API's solubility, dissolution rate, and stability. Different polymorphic forms may exhibit varying pharmacokinetic profiles. Drug product developers must ensure the chosen API consistently possesses the desired polymorphic form that has been demonstrated to yield the intended therapeutic performance and stability in the final dosage form. Manufacturers must control and characterize the polymorphic form using methods like XRPD.
What are the environmental considerations for Itraconazole API manufacturing?
API manufacturing processes, especially multi-step organic syntheses, can involve the use of various solvents and reagents, potentially generating chemical waste. Responsible manufacturers are increasingly focused on implementing green chemistry principles, optimizing reaction yields to minimize waste, solvent recovery and recycling programs, and ensuring compliance with local and international environmental regulations regarding emissions and waste disposal. Suppliers with robust environmental management systems are increasingly favored.
Cited Sources
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA Inspection: General Information. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement/inspections
[2] European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare. (n.d.). Certificate of Suitability to the monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (CEP). Retrieved from https://www.edqm.eu/en/certificate-suitability-monographs-european-pharmacopoeia-cep
[3] International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. (2015). ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline: Impurities: Guidelines for Residual Solvents Q3C(R6). Retrieved from https://www.ich.org/fileadmin/Public_Web_Site/ICH_Products/Guidelines/Quality/Q3C/Q3C__R6_Step_4_2016_11_16.pdf
[4] International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. (2006). ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline: Impurities in New Drug Substances Q3A(R2). Retrieved from https://www.ich.org/fileadmin/Public_Web_Site/ICH_Products/Guidelines/Quality/Q3A/Q3A__R2_Step_4_2006_03_07.pdf
[5] International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. (2003). ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline: Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology Q2(R1). Retrieved from https://www.ich.org/fileadmin/Public_Web_Site/ICH_Products/Guidelines/Quality/Q2/Q2_R1_Guideline.pdf
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